Consultations begin on proposal to modernize Canadian wheat classes

WINNIPEG, Feb. 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Grain Commission began consultations on its proposal to modernize Canadian wheat classes.

The Canadian Grain Commission is seeking input from grain handlers, processors, marketers, developers, producers and end-use customers on its proposal to modernize Canada's wheat classes. The proposal includes strengthening the marketability of the Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS) and Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) milling classes, the addition of a new milling class and a review of current classes.

Relevant information, including a description of the issue and a full description of the proposal, are available on the Canadian Grain Commission web site www.grainscanada.gc.ca. Information is also provided on the web site on how stakeholders can comment on the proposal. Stakeholders have until April 20, 2015 to submit input.

Quick facts

The Canadian Grain Commission establishes wheat classes through extensive consultation with end-users, breeders, producers, marketers and other stakeholders.

There are 10 classes of western Canadian wheat and 7 classes of eastern Canadian wheat.

Each wheat class has its own set of performance characteristics that are primarily based on function, or end-use, characteristics. The wheat class system is part of Canada's grain quality assurance system.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency registers new wheat varieties. The Canadian Grain Commission, under the Canada Grain Act, designates new varieties to specific wheat classes based on their end-use functionality.

The Canadian Grain Commission proposes adjusting the parameters of the Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) and Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat classes to maintain and strengthen the quality and consistency of these classes. This will ensure new varieties continue to meet requirements for milling performance, dough strength, protein quantity, and end-product quality.

The proposal includes a new western Canada milling wheat class to provide opportunities to market Canadian wheat into emerging markets that have specific end-use requirements. This class will target varieties that have good milling quality, but weaker gluten strength than the CWRS and CPSR classes. Some existing U.S. varieties may meet the requirements of this class.

The Canadian Grain Commission also proposes to create a Canada Eastern General Purpose wheat class.

The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada's grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers' rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.